Shimla, August 5: The Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated a plantation drive at Shurala, organised jointly by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society and the Forest Department.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor congratulated the State Red Cross Society, the Forest Department and the local residents for organising the initiative aimed at environmental conservation and public welfare. He said that tree plantation is not merely a ceremonial activity but a commitment towards securing a greener and healthier future for coming generations.
The Governor said that Indian culture regards nature as a mother, and the country’s ancient scriptures have always emphasised the protection of trees, rivers, mountains and the environment. He stressed that planting saplings alone is not sufficient and called for their proper care and protection until they grow into healthy trees.
Shri Kavinder Gupta said that the forests of Himachal Pradesh are not only the State’s invaluable natural heritage but also play a vital role in ensuring ecological balance, water security and the well-being of millions of people in northern India. He urged every citizen to actively participate in environmental conservation by making tree plantation a mass movement.
Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Governor said the initiative has successfully connected environmental protection with public participation across the country. Planting a tree in honour of one’s mother, he said, is not only an emotional tribute but also an expression of gratitude towards Mother Earth.
He emphasised that schools, colleges, panchayats, voluntary organisations and youth must take a leading role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation. He appealed to every citizen to plant and nurture at least one tree every year, stating that such collective efforts would significantly strengthen the country’s green cover.
The Governor especially urged the youth to make environmental protection a lifelong mission, observing that the vision of a Viksit Bharat can only be realised through a clean, healthy and balanced environment. Expressing concern over rapid urbanisation and the expansion of concrete structures, he underlined the importance of preserving greenery and maintaining harmony with nature. Sharing his experience, he said that during his five-month tenure as Governor, this was his first visit to a rural area, and he was deeply impressed by its natural beauty and simple way of life. He encouraged the villagers to contribute towards environmental protection by planting even a single tree.
More than 120 saplings of various indigenous species, including pomegranate, ban, deodar, walnut, chir pine and bana, were planted during the campaign by officials of the Forest Department, representatives of the State Red Cross Society and students of the Junior Red Cross Wing of Shimla Nursing College.
Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society and Member of the National Red Cross Executive Committee Dr. Sadhana Thakur, Executive Member Kimmy Sood, Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood, senior Forest Department officers, representatives of the Red Cross Society, faculty and students of Shimla Nursing College, local panchayat representatives and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
